Median Income
$60,208
20% lower than US avg
Home Value
$97,500
65% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
589/100K
55% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.7%
50% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.4%
10% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.9%
47% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.6%
63% lower than US avg
How Welch Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population276
Median Age25.5 yrs
Density189/mi²
Male / Female65% / 36%
Largest GroupWhite 84%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$60,208
Per Capita$21,802
Unemployment1.9%
Poverty4.6%
County GDP$2,326M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$97,500
Ownership51.3%
Zillow$109,682
Housing Units100
Rent Burden18.1%
Crime
F
Violent589/100K
Property4,007/100K
Health
Obesity35.4%
Uninsured24.9%
Smoking13.1%
Depression21.1%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp61°F (16°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain16.8 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation3,119 ft (951 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.7%
High School+54.3%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.91
Community
2024 VoteR 91% / D 8%
Commute21 min
Broadband78.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries2
Is Welch a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Welch receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, a high uninsured rate. Welch offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Welch is $60,208, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.9%. Only 4.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Welch is $97,500, 65% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 589 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,007 per 100,000, 104% above the national average.
Education
16.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 54.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Welch enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F. Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 16.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Welch has a population of 276 with a density of 189 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age is 25.5 years, 34% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 35.5% female and 64.5% male. The city is predominantly White (83.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 44.8% of residents, while 55.2% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 17.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 88.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
25.5yrs
Median Age
34% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
44.8%
43% below US avg
Spanish
55.2%
312% above US avg
The median household income in Welch is $60,208, which is 20% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,802 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,184, 17% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 683 business establishments, including 43 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,208 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,802 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,184 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,898 |
| Gini Index | 0.422 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.9% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.6% |
| 63% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 683 |
| County GDP | $2,326M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 43 |
| Healthcare | 18 |
| Retail | 64 |
| Manufacturing | 18 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,637 |
| 61% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.78% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 96.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.1% |
The median home value in Welch is $97,500, 65% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $109,682, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $935 for a one-bedroom to $1,149 for a two-bedroom apartment. 51.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 100 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1967. The average annual property tax is $5,637 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 18.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $97,500 |
| 65% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $109,682 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 51.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 51.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 48.7% |
| Housing Units | 100 |
| Median Year Built | 1967 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,637 |
| 61% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.78% |
In Welch, 35.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 31.0% have high blood pressure. 13.1% are current smokers. 18.5% report binge drinking. 29.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 21.1% report depression. 16.9% experience frequent mental distress. 24.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:10,947. The dentist ratio is 1:7,394. 41.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Welch vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.4% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.0% |
| Asthma | 9.3% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 6.0% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.4% |
| Depression | 21.1% |
| Mental Distress | 16.9% |
| Physical Distress | 13.8% |
| Short Sleep | 39.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.1% |
| Uninsured | 24.9% |
| 190% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:10,947 |
| Dentists | 1:7,394 |
| Mental Health | 1:4,505 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.8% |
| Dental Visits | 48.1% |
| Premature Death | 10,585/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 41.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 18 |
Welch has a violent crime rate of 589 per 100,000 residents, 55% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,007 per 100,000, 104% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Welch receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Welch vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 589.2/100K |
| 55% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,006.9/100K |
| 104% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Welch enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 330 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 16.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 2.6 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 3,119 feet.
Temperature
41°F Jan (5°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 60.9°F |
| 13% above US avg |
| January Average | 41°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,119 ft (951 m) |
| Area | 1.5 sq mi (3.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 189/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.9336°N, 102.1232°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Gaines County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lubbock Preston Smith International (LBB)
53 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
16.8"
56% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
2.76"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 57.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 79.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 0.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
516 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.1. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 25, 2025.
| Jul 26, 2024 |
17 km NNE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M5.1 |
138 km |
| Sep 17, 2024 |
2024 North of Tarzan, Texas Earthquake |
M5.1 |
58 km |
| Jul 23, 2024 |
17 km NNE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M4.9 |
138 km |
| Feb 28, 2025 |
26 km SW of Ackerly, Texas |
M4.8 |
65 km |
| Feb 16, 2023 |
15 km NE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M4.7 |
138 km |
| Jan 2, 1992 |
12 km SSE of Eunice, New Mexico |
M4.6 |
113 km |
| Jul 27, 2024 |
13 km NNE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M4.5 |
135 km |
| Jul 23, 2024 |
16 km NNE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M4.4 |
136 km |
| Apr 10, 2024 |
21 km N of Stanton, Texas |
M4.4 |
74 km |
| Sep 11, 2011 |
20 km NE of Snyder, Texas |
M4.3 |
127 km |
| Jul 25, 2024 |
16 km NNE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M4.0 |
136 km |
| Jun 6, 2022 |
18 km SE of Ackerly, Texas |
M3.9 |
77 km |
| Sep 22, 2023 |
8 km NE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M3.9 |
137 km |
| Mar 13, 2011 |
32 km WNW of Rotan, Texas |
M3.8 |
127 km |
| Aug 17, 2022 |
17 km NNE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M3.8 |
138 km |
| Jul 30, 2024 |
15 km NE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M3.8 |
139 km |
| Mar 5, 2024 |
37 km SSW of Los Ybanez, Texas |
M3.8 |
56 km |
| Aug 15, 2024 |
28 km SW of Garden City, Texas |
M3.8 |
144 km |
| Apr 10, 2023 |
20 km NW of Stanton, Texas |
M3.7 |
77 km |
| Jul 10, 2025 |
33 km SSW of Los Ybanez, Texas |
M3.7 |
55 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
508 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 26 fatalities, 588 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 11, 1970 |
EF5 |
72 km |
26 |
| Apr 17, 1970 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1957 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1957 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2016 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1989 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1969 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1957 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1957 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 1956 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2022 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 5, 2019 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
| Nov 16, 2015 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2013 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2009 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 5, 2006 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2005 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2005 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 10, 1997 |
EF2 |
37 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: TOM (64,786 ac, 2011).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2011 |
TOM |
64,786 |
63 km |
| 2011 |
KILLOUGH |
35,447 |
93 km |
| 2011 |
DERICK FIRE |
27,780 |
89 km |
| 1989 |
WATTS |
11,602 |
93 km |
| 2008 |
BORDEN COUNTY COMPLEX |
11,276 |
57 km |
| 2017 |
303 |
9,601 |
65 km |
| 2011 |
FATHERS DAY |
8,947 |
93 km |
| 2006 |
FM 214 CR 210 |
8,848 |
89 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
8,308 |
85 km |
| 2008 |
CHEVRON |
7,735 |
88 km |
| 2008 |
PARKER |
6,844 |
81 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
6,835 |
59 km |
| 2008 |
NORTH |
6,109 |
87 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
6,004 |
77 km |
| 2011 |
SAND RANCH |
5,839 |
97 km |
| 2008 |
ANDREW COUNTY COMPLEX |
5,010 |
81 km |
| 2011 |
SPADE RANCH |
3,904 |
58 km |
| 2011 |
MIDDLETON |
3,792 |
93 km |
| 2011 |
WHITEFACE |
3,743 |
97 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
3,167 |
95 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
41°F (5°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
45°F (7°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
52°F (11°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
61°F (16°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| May |
70°F (21°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| June |
77°F (25°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
2.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| September |
72°F (22°C) |
2.8 in |
Wettest |
| October |
62°F (17°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| November |
50°F (10°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
42°F (6°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Welch has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 41°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 18.2 inches, with September being the wettest month (2.8") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Welch. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$243 ($146–$388) |
| Specialist Visit |
$340 ($194–$534) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$194 ($97–$340) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,136 ($777–$4,855) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$126 ($73–$194) |
| Dental Filling |
$243 ($146–$388) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24–$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49–$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$583 ($388–$971) |
| Battery Replacement |
$194 ($97–$340) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$97 ($58–$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($49–$136) |
| HVAC Repair |
$388 ($146–$777) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,797 ($3,884–$11,652) |
| Roof Repair |
$971 ($388–$1,942) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,739 ($5,341–$14,565) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,457 ($486–$3,399) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,565 ($4,855–$29,130) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,855 ($1,942–$9,710) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,457 ($777–$2,913) |
| Will Preparation |
$486 ($194–$971) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,428 ($971–$4,855) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$97) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73–$243) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$126) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.98 ($2.91–$5.34) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.40 ($2.43–$4.86) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.69 ($2.43–$5.34) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.37 ($2.91–$6.31) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.34 ($3.88–$7.28) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.97 ($0.58–$1.75) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$136 ($78–$243) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$97) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$97) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$194 ($73–$486) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,942 ($1,165–$3,399) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$126) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.77–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$97 ($29–$243) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,165 ($583–$2,428) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$971 ($486–$1,942) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$388 ($194–$680) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24–$97) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$971 ($388–$2,428) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,138 ($4,855–$29,130) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$97 ($49–$194) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$194 ($97–$388) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $671 |
| Toddler | $624 |
| Preschool | $606 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $598 |
| Toddler | $567 |
| Preschool | $559 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Welch
What is the population of Welch?
Welch has a population of 276 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 189 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 25.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 35.5% female and 64.5% male.
Is Welch expensive to live in?
Welch has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.1 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $60,208, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $97,500 (65% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Welch safe?
The violent crime rate in Welch is 589 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,007 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Welch receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Welch?
Welch enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 41°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 16.8 inches, with 2.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Welch?
The job market in Welch is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,184. There are 683 business establishments in the area, including 43 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 3.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Welch?
The median home value in Welch is $97,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $109,682. The homeownership rate is 51.3%. The average annual property tax is $5,637.
How are the schools in Welch?
Schools in Welch have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 16.7% of adults in Welch hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 54.3% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Welch?
The obesity rate in Welch is 35.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.1% of adults are smokers. 29.4% are physically inactive. 21.1% of residents report depression. 24.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 41.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:10,947.
What is transportation like in Welch?
The average commute in Welch is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 96.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Welch?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Welch is 83.7% White. 44.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 55.2% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 17.3% of residents have a disability. 88.1% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
